How AH-64 Apache is being turned into drone killer with ‘XM1225 APEX’ round ?Defense Updates619K subscribers 5,636 views Feb 19, 2026 #defenseupdates #ah64apache #usmilitaryThe US Army has conducted a live-fire demonstration involving the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter using the new 30×113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) round as part of efforts to improve defenses against unmanned aerial threats.During the evaluation, the Apache engaged airborne targets at multiple distances to assess the munition’s performance envelope. Test results underscored the round’s precision, adaptability, and lethality when used against drones, marking a notable step forward in enhancing rotary-wing counter-UAS capabilities. The AH-64 successfully completed the key live-fire event at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The helicopter performed its first documented air-to-air engagements using proximity-fused 30mm ammunition against unmanned aircraft systems at varying ranges. The trials demonstrated the round’s ability to maintain accuracy and effectiveness across different engagement scenarios.In this video, Defense Updates analyzes how AH-64 Apache is being turned into drone killer with ‘XM1225 APEX’ round ?#defenseupdates #ah64apache #usmilitary Chapters:0:00 TITLE00:11 INTRODUCTION01:28 SPONSORSHIP – NordVPN02:02 NEED FOR COST EFFECTIVE ANTI DRONE SOLUTION 03:23 APACHE AMMUNITION MODERNIZATION05:08 EXPANDED COUNTER-DRONE LETHALITY06:59 ANALYSIS
Summary
The US Army recently conducted a live-fire demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona featuring the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. The primary objective was to evaluate the new 30x113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive round, designed specifically to enhance defenses against unmanned aerial threats. During these trials, the Apache engaged airborne targets at various distances using proximity-fused 30mm ammunition against unmanned aircraft systems. This marked the first documented air-to-air engagements of this nature for the helicopter utilizing such munitions.
The evaluation aimed to assess the performance envelope of the new round across different engagement scenarios. Test results highlighted the ammunition's precision, adaptability, and lethality when employed against drones. These capabilities represent a significant advancement in improving rotary-wing counter-unmanned aerial system operations. The video produced by Defense Updates analyzes how this specific munition modernization transforms the Apache into an effective drone killer. The analysis covers the need for cost-effective anti-drone solutions and discusses the expanded counter-drone lethality provided by this technology. The demonstration underscores a notable step forward in military efforts to maintain superiority against evolving aerial threats using existing rotary-wing platforms.
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